The materials want to be something, they are waiting. Each material has its own function and potential.
-Shigeru Ban

Earlier this week, Cooper-Hewitt’s Design Watch Members had the special privilege of visiting Metal Shutter Houses, Shigeru Ban’s first condominium project in the United States, with Dean Maltz, Partner at Shigeru Ban Architects, and developer Jeff Spiritos. Located in the newly rezoned West Chelsea district, just west of the High Line, Metal Shutter Houses are designed to take full advantage of both the light and surrounding views. Large floor-to-ceiling, bi-folding glass doors on the living room façade of each unit completely open the interior space to the exterior. The surrounding commercial properties’ metal shutters were a source of inspiration for Ban. A variable façade features screens made of roll-up perforated security “shutters,” allowing for privacy while in the apartment or on the terrace and creating a distinct openness to the city beyond.